CPU
GPU
Core i3-2310M
Core 2 Duo E6420
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-2310M is positioned at rank 1032 and the Core 2 Duo E6420 is on rank 1054, so the Core i3-2310M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2310M
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E6420
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2310M | Core 2 Duo E6420 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Conroe (2006−2007) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2310M | Core 2 Duo E6420 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-2310M and Core 2 Duo E6420
Core i3-2310M
The Core i3-2310M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,222 points. Launch price was $225.
Core 2 Duo E6420
The Core 2 Duo E6420 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 2.13 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,235 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core i3-2310M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo E6420's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-2310M versus 2.13 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E6420 — a 1.4% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E6420 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Core i3-2310M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E6420 uses Conroe (2006−2007) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2310M scores 1,222 against the Core 2 Duo E6420's 1,235 — a 1.1% lead for the Core 2 Duo E6420. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2310M vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E6420.
| Feature | Core i3-2310M | Core 2 Duo E6420 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.13 GHz+1% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.13 GHz+1% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 4 MB+1500% |
| Process | 32 nm-51% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Conroe (2006−2007) |
| PassMark | 1,222 | 1,235+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 350 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 658 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-2310M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo E6420 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2310M versus 1066 on the Core 2 Duo E6420 — the Core 2 Duo E6420 supports 198.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Sandy Bridge (Core i3-2310M) and P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E6420).
| Feature | Core i3-2310M | Core 2 Duo E6420 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 1066+35433% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+104857500% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i3-2310M) vs true (Core 2 Duo E6420). The Core i3-2310M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Core 2 Duo E6420 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2310M targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-2310M rivals Athlon Silver 3050U; Core 2 Duo E6420 rivals Athlon 64 X2 5400+.
| Feature | Core i3-2310M | Core 2 Duo E6420 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 3000 | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
| Target Use | Budget | — |
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